Quick tool path definition thanks to an intuitive user interface... The user defines machining operations quickly using intuitive graphic dialog boxes. "Traffic lights" indicate if there are still parameters to be defined in order to complete the operation. Help icons assist the user for each parameter of the operation : when clicking on these help icons, an image describing the parameter pops up in the panel. Moreover, the user takes advantage of copy/paste facilities for organizing program using specification tree. Finally, tool changes and machine rotations are automatically generated and can be visualized in the machining operation definition panel.

Flexible management of tools and tool catalogs... Tools can be stored into file-based tool catalogs and retrieved using simple or complex queries. Tool assemblies (inserts and holders) are supported so that the user can define the characteristics of the tool visualization. Tools can also be retrieved from external tool databases (like CATIA Version 4 TDB or WALTER TDM databases).

Automation and standardization... The user can define and store machining processes for turning or axial machining operations in CATIA catalogs, and apply them to part geometry or to design features. By this, the company know-how can be capitalized and reused for efficient programming. NC objects and attributes can be handled as knowledgeware objects in order to increase the level of automation and standardization.

Quick verification of tool path... Tool path replay allows generation and verification of individual operations or the complete programs. Alternative machining strategies can be tested and collision-free trajectories can be obtained.

In-process part visualization and material removal simulation... The user can visualize the in-process part and analyze remaining material, tool collision, etc. Furthermore, he can run a material removal simulation interactively or in batch-mode.

Efficient change management... Integrated in the PPR data model CATIA NC offers a high level of associativity product engineering, manufacturing processes and resources. Thus, CATIA allows a high efficiency in concurrent engineering and best support of design changes or design variants and a rapid creation of programs for families of parts.